Internationally accessible communications

ABSTRACT

A call processing system that is configured to communicate with a plurality of remote processors, wherein the call processing system comprises a routing system configured to receive signaling for a call wherein the signaling indicates a called number including an international country code, and a processing system configured to process the international code to select one of the remote processors from the plurality of remote processors. The processing system is further configured to transfer a remote processor query to the one remote processor and process a remote processor response from the one remote processor to transfer a routing instruction for the call to the routing system.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is related to the field of communications, and inparticular, to internationally accessible communications.

2. Description of the Prior Art

International country codes are one, two, or three digit numbers thatidentify various countries in the world. Calls placed using aninternational country code are routed to a communication networkassociated with a particular country assigned that code.

Compared to domestic calls, international calls are expensive andcomplex. Toll-free international calls pose a separate challenge fromregular international calls because the called party pays the servicecharges rather than the caller. Thus, called parties, such as a callcenter for an airline, may desire to retain precise control over how andwhen international toll-free calls are connected.

One method for providing precise control over international toll-freecalls includes routing calls based upon the country code dialed. Forexample, a communication network recognizes a particular country codewhen a caller dials an international toll-free number. The communicationnetwork routes the call to a service platform associated with thatcountry code. The service platform answers the call, obtains informationfrom the caller, and can then connect the caller to a call center. Otherless desirable callers can be re-routed to other call centers.Importantly, in this method calls are routed through the serviceplatform.

A drawback to this method is that the service platform remains connectedto calls to provide service and billing processes. As a consequence, theservice platform wastes valuable processing time and bandwidth.Furthermore, the service platform requires additional equipment,staffing, and support beyond existing network configurations.Unfortunately, this method does not allow for efficient and economicalinternational call services.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention helps solve the above problems with technology thatimproves international communications. Advantageously, the technologymay eliminate the need for service platforms to process and connectvarious types of international calls. If desired, the technology mayallow for more efficient and economical international call services.

Examples of the invention include a method of call processing systemoperation, a call processing system, and a software product for callprocessing systems. The software product includes software that directsthe operation of call processing systems, and a storage system thatstores the software.

Some examples of the invention comprise a method of operating a callprocessing system that is configured to communicate with a plurality ofremote processors. The method comprises receiving signaling for a callwherein the signaling indicates a called number including aninternational country code, processing the international country code toselect one of the remote processors from the plurality of remoteprocessors, transferring a remote processor query to the one remoteprocessor, receiving a remote processor response from the one remoteprocessor, and processing the remote processor response to transfer arouting instruction for the call.

In some examples of the invention, the call processing system comprisesa routing system and a Service Control Point (SCP), wherein the SCP isconfigured to communicate with the plurality of remote processors, andwherein receiving the signaling for the call and processing theinternational country code to select the one remote processor comprises,in the routing system, receiving a signaling message including thecalled number and the international country code and processing theinternational country code to transfer an SCP query including theinternational country code, and in the SCP, receiving the SCP query andprocessing the international country code to select the one remoteprocessor.

In some examples of the invention, receiving the signaling for the callcomprises receiving the signaling in the SCP.

In some examples of the invention, transferring the remote processorquery and receiving the remote processor response comprises transferringthe remote processor query from the SCP and receiving the remoteprocessor response in the SCP.

In some examples of the invention, processing the remote processorresponse to transfer the routing instruction comprises processing theremote processor response in the SCP to transfer an SCP responseincluding the routing instruction, and further comprising, in therouting system, receiving the SCP response, and in the routing system,processing the routing instruction to route the call.

In some examples of the invention, the method further comprisesreceiving the remote query in the one remote processor, processing theremote processor query in the one remote processor, and transferring theremote processor response from the one remote processor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The same reference number represents the same element on all drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a call processing system in an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of a call processing system in anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the operation of a call processing system in anembodiment of the invention

FIG. 4 illustrates a call processing system in an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of a call processing system in anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of a call processing system in anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a call processing system in an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a computer system in an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1–8 and the following description depict specific embodiments ofthe invention to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use thebest mode of the invention. For the purpose of teaching inventiveprinciples, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted.Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from theseembodiments that fall within the scope of the invention. Those skilledin the art will appreciate that the features described below can becombined in various ways to form multiple embodiments of the invention.As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific embodimentsdescribed below, but only by the claims and their equivalents.

First Embodiment Configuration and Operation—FIGS. 1–3

FIG. 1 illustrates communication system 100 in an embodiment of theinvention. Caller 101 is connected to communication network 110.Communication network 110 is connected to call processing system 120.Communication network 110 is also connected to destination 140. Callprocessing system 120 is connected to one or more remote processors(RPs), including RPs 131, 132, 133. RP 133 is controlled by destination140. Communication network 110 represents a collection of PublicSwitched Telephone Networks (PSTNs). Call processing system 120 couldinclude a Service Control Point (SCP) or a similar processing system.

RPs comprise communication devices capable of receiving RP queries,processing the queries to select call routing instructions, andtransferring the instructions in response to the queries. An example ofan RP could include a Call Manager system from GeoTel. RPs 131, 132, 133provide flexible and efficient call processing services because they canbe controlled by a destination to provide real-time control over callrouting. RP 133 could be controlled by destination 140. RP 133 could belocated externally from destination 140, or it could be located onpremise.

FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of communication system 100 in anembodiment of the invention. Caller 101 places a call including acountry code and a called number to communication network 110.Communication network 110 sends signaling (including the country codeand the called number) to call processing system 120. Call processingsystem 120 receives the signaling with the country code and the callednumber.

Call processing system 120 processes the signaling based upon thecountry code to select which RP to query of RPs 131, 132, 133. Callprocessing system 120 then sends an RP query to the selected RP, whichin this example is RP 131. The RP query typically includes the callednumber. RP 131 receives the RP query and processes the called number todetermine routing instructions for the call. RP 131 sends an RP responseto call processing system 120 that includes the routing instructions forthe call. Call processing system 120 receives the RP response andprocesses the RP response to transfer routing instructions for the callto communication network 110. Communication network 110 receives therouting instructions and responsively connects the call to destination140.

FIG. 3 also illustrates the operation of communication system 100 in anembodiment of the invention. Communication network 110 receives callsignaling for a call with a country code and called number.Communication network 110 sends signaling (including the country codeand the called number) to call processing system 120. Call processingsystem 120 processes the signaling based upon the country code to selectwhich RP to query of RPs 131, 132, 133. Call processing system 120 thensends an RP query to a first selected RP, RP 131. The RP query typicallyincludes the called number. RP 131 receives the RP query and processesthe called number to select a second RP, RP 133. RP 131 sends an RPresponse indicating RP 133 to call processing system 120.

In response, call processing system 120 sends a second RP query,including the called number, to RP 133. RP 133 receives the query andprocesses the called number to determine routing instructions for thecall. RP 133 sends an RP response to call processing system 120 thatcould include the routing instructions for the call. Call processingsystem 120 receives the RP response and processes the RP response totransfer the routing instructions for the call to communication network110. Communication network 110 receives the routing instructions andconnects the call to destination 140.

Second Embodiment Configuration and Operation—FIGS. 4–7

FIG. 4 illustrates communication system 200 in an embodiment of theinvention. Communication system 200 comprises caller 208 connected tocommunication network 210. Communication network 210 is connected torouting system 211. Routing system 211 is connected to communicationnetwork 230. Communication network 230 is connected to destination 240.Call processing system 220 includes routing system 211 and SCP 212. SCP212 is connected to routing system 211 and RPs 221, 222, and 223. RP 223is controlled by destination 240.

FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of a communication system 200 in anembodiment of the invention. Routing system 211 receives call signalingfor a call, including a called number and a country code. In response tothe country code, routing system 211 sends an SCP query to SCP 212. TheSCP query includes the called number and the country code. SCP 212receives the SCP query. SCP 212 processes the country code to select anRP from among a plurality of RPs. SCP 212 then sends an RP query,including the called number, to the selected RP 221. RP 221 receives theRP query and processes the called number to determine routinginstructions for the call. RP 221 sends an RP response with the routinginstructions for the call. SCP 212 receives the RP response. SCP 212then sends an SCP response, including the routing instructions, torouting system 211.

FIG. 6 also illustrates the operation of a communication system 200 inan embodiment of the invention. Communication network 210 receives acall including a country code and called number. Communication network210 sends call signaling including the country code and called number toRouting system 211. Routing system 211 receives the call signaling.Routing system 211 sends an SCP query to SCP 212. The SCP query includesthe called number and the country code. SCP 212 receives the SCP query.SCP 212 processes the country code to select a first RP from among aplurality of RPs. SCP 212 then sends an RP query, including the callednumber, to the first RP 221.

RP 221 receives the RP query and processes the called number todetermine a second RP. RP 221 sends an RP response indicating the secondRP 222. SCP 212 receives the RP response. SCP 212 then sends a second RPquery including the called number to second RP 222. RP 222 receives theRP query and processes the called number to determine routinginstructions for the call. RP 222 sends an RP response to SCP 212. SCP212 receives the RP response, including the routing instructions, andsends an SCP response to routing system 211. Routing system 211 receivesthe SCP response, including the routing instructions, and forwards therouting instructions to communication network 210. Communication network210 connects the call.

FIG. 7 illustrates call processing system 300 in an embodiment of theinvention. Call processing system 300 includes routing system 311, SCP312, and RPs 321, 322, and 323, although more RPs are possible. Routingsystem 311 is connected to SCP 312. SCP 312 is connected to RPs 321,322, and 323. The elements of call processing system 300 can beconnected to other communication systems, networks, or devices,including possibly callers and destinations as are well known in theart.

Computer System Configuration—FIG. 8

FIG. 8 illustrates computer system 600 that could be used to implementaspects of the invention. In particular, computer system 600 could beused in call processing system 120, communication system 200, callprocessing system 300, SCP 212, SCP 312, or in another communicationdevice. Computer system 600 includes processing system 610, storagesystem 620, software 640, first interface 630, and second interface 650.Storage system 620 stores software 640. Processing system 610 is linkedto first interface 630 and second interface 650. Computer system 600could be comprised of programmed general-purpose computers, althoughthose skilled in the art will appreciate that programmable or specialpurpose circuitry and equipment may be used. Computer system 600 may usea client server architecture where operations are distributed among aserver system and client devices that together comprise elements610–650.

First interface 630 could comprise a network interface card, modem,port, or some other communication device. First interface 630 may bedistributed among multiple communication devices. Processing system 610could comprise a computer microprocessor, logic circuit, or some otherprocessing device. Processing system 610 may be distributed amongmultiple processing devices. Second interface 650 could comprise akeyboard, mouse, voice recognition interface, microphone and speakers,graphical display, touch screen, or some other type of user device.Storage system 620 could comprise a disk, tape, integrated circuit,server, or some other memory device. Storage system 620 may bedistributed among multiple memory devices.

Processing system 610 retrieves and executes software 640 from storagesystem 620. Software 640 may comprise an operating system, utilities,drivers, networking software, and other software typically loaded onto ageneral-purpose computer. Software 640 could also comprise anapplication program, firmware, or some other form of machine-readableprocessing instructions. When executed by the processing system 610,software 640 directs the processing system 610 to operate as describedfor communications system 100.

Call Center Example of the Invention

In an example of the invention, a caller places a call to a call center,such as a reservations center for an airline. The call includes a callednumber, such as a toll-free 800 number, and a country code. The callsignaling for the call is received by a call processing system. The callprocessing system processes the country code to select an RP from aplurality of RPs. The call processing system sends an RP query to the RPto determine routing instructions for the call. The RP sends an RPresponse to the call processing system including the routinginstructions. The call processing system connects the call according tothe routing instructions.

In another example of the invention, a call processing system processesa country code to select a first RP from a plurality of RPs. The firstRP could be an RP configured to determine which second RP of thepluarality of RPs should be queried to determine routing instructionsfor the call. The first RP indicates to the call processing system whichsecond RP to query for routing instructions. The call processing systemqueries the second RP for routing instructions. The second RP respondsto the call processing system with routing instructions for the call.

In another example of the invention, a call processing system couldinclude a data table with country codes associated with RPs. The callprocessing system could process a country code to determine which RP toselect to determine routing instructions for a call. In another exampleof the invention, the call processing system could process a countrycode to determine which RP of a plurality of RPs to select to determinea second RP to determine routing instructions for a call. The first andsecond RP could include a data table associating called numbers with theplurality of RPs. The first and second RP could also include a datatable associating called numbers with routing instructions.

In another example of the invention, an RP could be controlled remotelyby an element such as the airline reservation center in the aboveexample. The airline reservation center could control how the RPprocesses a country code or a called number. The RP could also becontrolled independently through a user interface. The RP could also becontrolled by the call processing system. Selecting the RP based uponthe country code allows for more efficient and economical internationalcall services.

1. A method of operating a call processing system comprising a routingsystem and a Service Control Point (SCP) that is configured tocommunicate with more than one remote processors, the method comprising:in the routing system, receiving signaling for a call wherein thesignaling indicates a called number including an international countrycode; processing the international country code to transfer an SCP queryincluding the international country code from the routing system to theSCP; in the SCP, processing the international country code to select oneof the remote processors from the more than one remote processorswherein the more than one remote processors are located at more than onecall centers respectively; transferring a remote processor query to theone remote processor; receiving a remote processor response from the oneremote processor; and processing the remote processor response totransfer a routing instruction for the call.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein transferring the remote processor query and receiving the remoteprocessor response comprises transferring the remote processor queryfrom the SCP and receiving the remote processor response in the SCP. 3.The method of claim 2 wherein processing the remote processor responseto transfer the routing instruction comprises processing the remoteprocessor response in the SCP to transfer an SCP response including therouting instruction, and further comprising: in the routing system,receiving the SCP response; and in the routing system, processing therouting instruction to route the call.
 4. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising receiving the remote processor query in the one remoteprocessor, processing the remote processor query in the one remoteprocessor, and transferring the remote processor response from the oneremote processor.
 5. The call processing system of claim 1 wherein theSCP is further configured to transfer the remote processor query to theone remote processor, and process the remote processor response from theone remote processor to transfer the routing instruction for the call tothe routing system.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the one remoteprocessor comprises a call manager.
 7. A call processing system that isconfigured to communicate with more than one remote processors, the callprocessing system comprising: a routing system configured to receivesignaling for a call wherein the signaling indicates a called numberincluding an international country code, and process the internationalcountry code to transfer an SCP query including the internationalcountry code; and a Service Control Point (SCP) configured to receivethe SCP query, process the international country code to select one ofthe remote processors from the more than one remote processors whereinthe more than one remote processors are located at more than one callcenters respectively, transfer a remote processor query to the oneremote processor, and process a remote processor response from the oneremote processor to transfer a routing instruction for the call to therouting system.
 8. The call processing system of claim 7 furthercomprising the one remote processor configured to receive the remoteprocessor query from the processing system, process the remote processorquery, and transfer the remote processor response to the processingsystem.
 9. The call processing system of claim 8 wherein the remoteprocessor response includes the routing instruction for the call. 10.The call processing system of claim 7 wherein the one remote processorcomprises a call manager.
 11. A software product for a Service ControlPoint (SCP) wherein the SCP is configured to receive an SCP queryindicating a called number including an international country code,transfer a remote processor query to one of more than one remoteprocessors, receive a remote processor response from the one remoteprocessor, and transfer a routing instruction, the software productcomprising: software configured to process the international countrycode to select the one remote processor from the more than one remoteprocessors wherein the more than one remote processors are located atmore than one call centers respectively, and process the remoteprocessor response to generate the routing instruction; and a storagesystem that stores the software.
 12. The software product of claim 11wherein the one remote processor comprises a call manager.